Past Review

By Zachary O (Environmental Studies., Austin College) for

IES Abroad: Christchurch Direct Enrollment - University Of Canterbury

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

There are a lot of little things about New Zealand that I'll remember from my study abroad experience, like tea with my host family, exploring Christchurch, getting to know everyone else from my program, etc. Study abroad is also a fantastic opportunity personal growth; your family is literally on the other side of the planet! It's also a great opportunity to see the world from other people's perspectives; it's one thing to hear about a place and its people, but it's another thing entirely to visit a place and meet its people first hand. So whether you end up studying in Christchurch or decide to go somewhere else, I still fully recommend that every student consider studying abroad.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here:	University of Canterbury
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	Classes in New Zealand tend to rely less on textbooks and more on academic literature, like peer-edited reviews. There is more extra-curricular reading as a result. Classes are taught in a similar lecture format to those in the United States. Grades in New Zealand are added up from 0%, rather than being deducted from 100%. A 'C grade' in New Zealand would be 50%, while anything higher than 85% would be considered an 'A+.' Finally, there are fewer assignments and tests throughout the semester than there are in the U.S. As a result, each essay and exam - especially the final exam - affects your final grade much more.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	The IES program administrator in Christchurch is very approachable and helpful. If a student is having any problems with classes, host family, or finding things to do outside of class, the program administrator will help him/her find a solution.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	While my host family lived on the other side of Christchurch from the university, I was able to commute easily using the city's bus system. My host family treated me very well, helped me get to know the country, and otherwise made sure I felt at home.
* Food:	New Zealand food is typically very English, and meals are not usually very elaborate. However, food is abundant and of good quality. Asian, Indian and Middle Eastern food is also abundant, if you're looking for variety.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	New Zealanders are very fond of the outdoors, and there are tons of activities available for the outdoor enthusiast (hiking and tramping, bungee jumping, running, cycling, kayaking, rock climbing, etc.). Renting a car is easy in New Zealand, so students can explore the country without much hassle. The IES Christchurch program also offers a mid-semester field trip to the Cook Islands, which I would highly recommend for students who enjoy the tropics and the ocean.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	New Zealand is fairly safe, and there aren't any significant health issues. Most people would advise now wondering around alone after dark, but I had no safety problems during my time there. Basic common sense is probably the most precaution you'll need. Health insurance is available through the program, and there is a health center available on the university campus.
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program?	Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget? (1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Host Family
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Host Family

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	Any student interested in sports, the outdoors, the environment or Pacific Island cultures would definitely enjoy New Zealand.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Global Change and Biosecurity
Course Department:	BIOL377
Instructor:	Matthew Turnbull
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	At first glance, an environmental studies student might consider the lecture material to be just a rerun of previous classes. Do not be fooled. The class covers a wide range of material from nutrient cycling to community dynamics to factors in global environmental change. Particular attention is given to invasive species. Pay attention in class, read the essays and reports discussed in class, by all means take notes, and give yourself plenty of time to work on class assignments and study for exams.
Credit Transfer Issues:

Course Name/Rating:	Population Ecology and Conservation
Course Department:	BIOL378
Instructor:	David Kelly
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	Environmental or biology students will enjoy this class, which examines ecological concepts in the context on New Zealand's unique flora and fauna. Take notes in class, read the recommended reading, and allow for plenty of time to work on class assignments and study for exams, and most will find this class an interesting case study in local ecology.
Credit Transfer Issues:

Course Name/Rating:	Kiwi Culture
Course Department:	HIST243
Instructor:	Katie Pickles
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	It's not often you find a class that looks at a nation's characteristics and/or stereotypes and examines the history and culture behind them. If you want to really explore New Zealand's history and culture from many different angles, this is the class to take. While notes are provided in class, reading the recommended literature and allowing plenty of time for study and completing assignments is recommended.
Credit Transfer Issues: